The following are disability-related bills and/or issues pending in the Illinois General Assembly that are scheduled to be heard in committee during the week of May 2, 2016:
House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee
May 3, 2016, 1:00 p.m.
Room C-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: FY 16 Budget and FY 17 Budget proposal.
- To file an electronic witness slip: Click
House Judiciary-Criminal Committee
May 3, 2016, 3:00 p.m.
Room D-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SB 2880, Representative Ron Sandack
Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that a court may order the testimony of a victim who is a child under 18, a person with a moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability, or a person affected by a developmental disability by means of a closed circuit television in a proceeding for the prosecution of an offense of criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual abuse aggravated battery or aggravated domestic battery, the testimony is taken during the proceeding, and the judge determines that testimony by the child victim or victim with a moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability or victim affected by a developmental disability in the courtroom will result in the child or person with a moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability or person affected by a developmental disability suffering serious emotional distress such that the child or person with a moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability or person affected by a developmental disability cannot reasonably communicate or that the child or person with a moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability or person affected by a developmental disability will suffer severe emotional distress and is likely to cause the child or person with a moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability or person affected by a developmental disability to suffer severe adverse effects.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: Licensing Oversight Committee
May 4, 2016, 8:30 a.m.
Room 115, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SB 2137, Representative John M. Cabello
Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, teachers institutes shall include, at least once every 2 years, instruction on the federal Americans with Disabilities Act as it pertains to the school environment.
House Human Services Committee
May 4, 2016, 8:30 a.m.
Room C-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
*SB 320, Representative Sara Feigenholtz
Creates the Opportunities for Youth Diversion Task Force Act. Creates the Opportunities for Youth Diversion Task Force within the Department of Human Services. Provides that the members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation and are responsible for the cost of all reasonable and necessary travel expenses connected to Task Force business. Provides that the Task Force members shall not be reimbursed by the State for these costs. Provides that the Task force shall: (1) develop an action plan for State and local law enforcement and other agencies to divert youth in contact with law enforcement agencies that require mental health treatment into the appropriate health care setting rather than initial or further involvement in the juvenile justice system; (2) review existing evidence based models and best practices around diversion opportunities for youth with mental health needs from the point of police contact and initial contact with the juvenile justice system; (3) identify existing diversion programs across this State and highlight implemented programs demonstrating positive evidence based outcomes; (4) identify all funding sources which can be used towards improving diversion outcomes for youth with mental health needs, including funds controlled by the State, funds controlled by counties, and funding within the health care system; (5) identify barriers to the implementation of evidence based diversion models and develop sustainable policies and programs to address these barriers; (6) recommend an action plan that includes pilot programs and policy changes based on the research required by these provisions for increasing the number of youth diverted into community based mental health treatment rather than further engagement with the juvenile justice system; and (7) complete and deliver the action plan with recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly within one year of their first meeting. Provides that upon the completion and delivery of the action plan to the Governor and General Assembly, the Task Force shall be dissolved. Repeals the Act on December 31, 2018.
*Equip for Equality supports SB 320
SB 2331, Representative Christian L. Mitchell
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Makes changes to provisions concerning sensitive health services information held by Medicaid Managed Care Entities. Provides that Medicaid Managed Care Entities and their respective business associates shall not disclose, directly or indirectly, including by sending a bill or explanation of benefits, information concerning the sensitive health services received by enrollees of the Medicaid Managed Care Entity to any person other than covered entities and business associates, which may receive, use, and further disclose such information solely for the purposes permitted under applicable federal and State laws and regulations if such use and further disclosure satisfies all applicable requirements of such laws and regulations (rather than providing that Medicaid Managed Care Entities shall not divulge, directly or indirectly, including by sending a bill or explanation of benefits, information concerning the sensitive health services received by enrollees of the Medicaid Managed Care Entity to any person other than providers and care coordinators caring for the enrollee and employees of the entity in the course of the entity’s internal operations). Provides that Medicaid Managed Care Entities or their respective business associates may communicate directly with their enrollees regarding care coordination activities for those enrollees. Defines “business associate”, “covered entity”, “disclosure”, and “use”.
Equip for Equality supports SB 2331
SB 2386, Representative Robyn Gabel
Provides that the DD Facility Advisory Board established under the ID/DD Community Care Act shall advise the Department of Public Health on its responsibilities under the MC/DD Act and on matters concerning rulemaking under the MC/DD Act. Contains provisions requiring the Department to obtain advice from the Board and concerning the Board’s failure to provide advice.
SB 2459, Representative Mike Fortner
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that the Illinois Supreme Court or any circuit court of this State may adopt rules permitting the use of video conferencing equipment in any hearing concerning the administration of psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy subject to the following conditions: (1) if the parties, including the respondent, and their attorneys, including the State’s Attorney, are at a mental health facility, or some other location to which the respondent may be safely and conveniently transported, and the judge and any court personnel are in another location; or (2) if the respondent and his or her attorney are at a mental health facility or some other location to which the respondent may be safely and conveniently transported, and all of the other participants including the judge are in another location, if, and only if, agreed to by the respondent and the respondent’s attorney. Provides that in a hearing concerning the administration of psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy, any court may permit any witness, including a psychiatrist, to testify by video conferencing equipment from any location in the absence of a court rule specifically prohibiting that testimony.
House Appropriations-General Services Committee
May 4, 2016, 1:00 p.m.
Room D-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: FY 16 Budget and FY 17 Budget proposal.
- To file an electronic witness slip: Click
House Special Needs Services Committee
May 4, 2016, 1:00 p.m.
Room 118, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Concerns from the deaf community.
- To file an electronic witness slip: Click
House Appropriations-Human Services Committee
May 5, 2016, 8:00 a.m.
Room C-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: FY 16 Budget and FY 17 Budget proposal.
- To file an electronic witness slip: Click
House Economic Development & Housing Committee
May 5, 2016, 8:00 a.m.
Room D-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SB 2271, Representative Will Guzzardi
Amends the Comprehensive Housing Planning Act. Removes all references to the Executive Committee and its corresponding definition. Replaces all references to “Interagency Subcommittee of the State Housing Task Force” with “Interagency Committee of the State Housing Task Force” (Interagency Committee). Adds the Directors of the State Departments of Corrections, Emergency Management, and Juvenile Justice to the list of members on the Interagency Committee. Adds the Interagency Committee as a member of the State Housing Task Force and removes the following State Departments or their designees from the State Housing Task Force: the Secretaries of Human Services and Transportation; the Directors of the State Departments of Aging, Children and Family Services, Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Financial and Professional Regulation, Healthcare and Family Services, Human Rights, Natural Resources, Public Health, and Veterans’ Affairs; the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency; and a representative of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. Removes a provision permitting the Governor to invite and appoint a representative of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs of Western Illinois University to the State Housing Task Force; and provides that the Governor may invite and appoint a representative of the U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (rather than a representative of the U. S. Department of Agriculture). Makes changes concerning the codification of Executive Order 2003-18 into the Act. In provisions concerning the purposes of the Act, adds as a purpose, the maximization of federal funding opportunities for affordable housing or the services people need to maintain their housing with required State funding, such as, without limitation, for federal Continuum of Care networks and HOME Investment Partnerships Program project sponsors. Extends the date through which the State shall prepare and be guided by an Annual Comprehensive Housing Plan that is consistent with the affirmative fair housing provisions of the Illinois Human Rights Act. In a provision listing the underserved populations that shall be addressed in the Annual Comprehensive Housing Plan, adds to the list (i) low-income people residing in communities with ongoing community revitalization efforts; and (ii) other special needs populations, including people with criminal records and veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Requires the Interagency Committee to deliver the Annual Comprehensive Housing Plan to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 15 (rather than January 1) of each year or the first business day thereafter; and requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority to prepare an Annual Progress Report by April 1 (instead of an interim report by September 30 and a final report by April 1) of the following year to the Governor and the General Assembly on the progress made toward achieving certain projected goals under the Act. Transfers certain duties of the Executive Committee to the State Housing Task Force. Makes changes concerning certain duties of the Interagency Committee and repeals a provision requiring the Illinois Housing Development Authority to annually issue a joint Notice of Funding Availability to notify potential applicants of funding for specific programs expected to be available through State agencies to meet housing and supportive service needs identified in the Annual Comprehensive Housing Plan.
House Revenue & Finance Committee
May 5, 2016, 8:00 a.m.
Room 118, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: HB 4521: Governor’s Request for Budget Making Powers
- To file an electronic witness slip: Click
HB 4521, Representative Jim Durkin
Creates the Unbalanced Budget Response Act. Provides authority and procedures for the Governor to establish contingency reserves of previously appropriated funds, and to transfer balances between special funds in the State treasury and the General Revenue Fund. Describes the agencies and programs subject to this authority. Provides that designated agencies may adopt emergency rules to carry out the purposes of the Act. Defines terms. Provides that the Act is repealed on July 1, 2017. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to make conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Adds actions taken under the Unbalanced Budget Response Act to a Section relating to applicability. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State.
- To read full text of HB 4521: Click
House Revenue & Finance Committee-Income Tax Subcommittee
SB 2268, Representative Kelly M. Burke
Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may accept contributions for ABLE accounts once the Internal Revenue Service has issued either interim guidance or final regulations (currently, only final regulations). Provides that ABLE accounts may also be established for residents of other states (currently, only residents of Illinois). Makes technical corrections.
Senate Appropriations-I Committee
May 3, 2016, 10:00 a.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: FY 17 Budget Request for the following agencies: IL Department on Aging, IL Department of Insurance, IL Department of Labor, IL Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, IL Health Care and Family Services, IL Arts Council
- To file an electronic witness slip: Click
Senate Education Committee
May 3, 2016, 3:00 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 119, Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins
Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board may create a committee on the retention of students, consisting of the district superintendent or his or her designee, a district administrator who directs student instruction and curriculum, a principal, and a teacher. Provides that prior to retention in a grade, a school may submit, by a date as set by the committee, the names of all students determined by the school to not qualify for promotion to the next higher grade and the reason for that determination. Requires the committee to review the school’s decision to retain with respect to each student and make a final decision regarding whether or not to retain a particular student. Requires the committee to take into consideration the performance evaluation of the student’s teacher or teachers. Provides that the committee may vote to prohibit the school district from retaining the student if the committee determines that the student is being retained due to inadequate instruction, resources, or facilities provided by the school district or due to the student having an undiagnosed learning disability. Amends the Children with Disabilities Article to provide that a child with a learning disability in the Chicago school district must not be denied promotion, graduation, or a general diploma on the basis of failing a minimal competency test when such failure can be directly related to the disabling condition of the student.
HB 4352, Senator Melinda Bush
Amends the School Code. Sets forth the definition of dyslexia that the State Board of Education must incorporate in both general education and special education (instead of requiring the State Board of Education to adopt rules that incorporate an international definition of dyslexia).
HB 4365, Senator Kwame Raoul
Amends the Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, requires an association or other entity that has, as one of its purposes, promoting, sponsoring, regulating, or in any manner providing for interscholastic athletics or any form of athletic competition among high schools and high school students within this State to require all member schools that have certified athletic trainers to complete a monthly report on student-athletes at the member school who have sustained a concussion during a school-sponsored activity overseen by the athletic trainer or when the athletic director is made aware of a concussion sustained by a student during a school-sponsored event. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, requires the association or entity to compile the data reported during the previous school year into an annual report and submit copies of this report to the General Assembly.
*HB 6333, Senator David Koehler
Amends the School Code. Annually requires each school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school to request an asthma action plan from the parents or guardians of a pupil with asthma; sets forth provisions concerning the asthma action plan. Requires the State Board of Education to consult with a statewide professional organization representing school administrators in developing a model asthma episode emergency response protocol. Provides that, every 2 years, school personnel who work with pupils shall complete an in-person or online training program on the management of asthma, the prevention of asthma symptoms, and emergency response in the school setting. Requires the State Board, in consultation with statewide professional organizations with expertise in asthma management, to make available resource materials for educating school personnel about asthma and emergency response in the school setting. Makes technical changes having a revisory function.
*Equip for Equality supports HB 6333
Senate Public Health Committee
May 3, 2016, 3:00 p.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 4826, Senator Chuck Weaver
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. In a provision concerning regional interagency fatality review teams, provides that each review team shall meet not less than 4 times a year (rather than 6 times a year) to discuss cases for its possible review.
HB 6060, Senator John G. Mulroe
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Adds the percentage of Medicaid funded residents as one of the factors the Department of Healthcare and Family Services must considered in grouping nursing facilities for purposes of payment. Provides that a resident of a nursing facility whose application for long term care benefits is awaiting final action shall be included in the calculation as a Medicaid funded resident.
Senate Human Services Committee
May 4, 2016, 10:30 a.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SB 2446, Senator Chapin Rose
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the provision requiring the Department of Human Services to develop a training program for authorized direct care staff to administer medications under the supervision and monitoring of a registered professional nurse applies to (i) all residential (rather than all programs) for persons with a developmental disability in settings of 16 persons or fewer that are funded or licensed by the Department of Human Services and that distribute or administer medications, and (ii) all day programs certified to serve persons with developmental disabilities by the Department of Human Services. Effective January 1, 2017.
Senate Judiciary Committee
May 4, 2016, 10:30 a.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 4552, Senator Michael Connelly
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Adds State’s Attorney’s offices to the list of persons and agencies granted access, upon request, to records concerning reports of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect.
HB 4562, Senator Iris Y. Martinez
Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Increases the amount of civil penalties for civil rights violations relating to real estate transactions as follows: (i) a maximum of $16,000 (instead of $10,000) if the respondent has not been adjudged to have committed any prior civil rights violation concerning real estate transactions; (ii) a maximum of $42,500 (instead of $25,000) if the respondent has been adjudged to have committed one other civil rights violation concerning real estate transactions during the 5-year period ending on the date of the filing of the current charge; and (iii) a maximum of $70,000 (instead of $50,000) if the respondent has been adjudged to have committed 2 or more civil rights violations concerning real estate transactions during the 7-year period ending on the date of the filing of the current charge.
Senate State Government & Veterans Affairs Committee
May 4, 2016, 3:00 p.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 4678, Senator Scott M. Bennett
Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may accept contributions for
ABLE accounts once the Internal Revenue Service has issued either interim guidance or final regulations (currently, only final regulations). Provides that ABLE accounts may also be established for residents of other states (currently, only residents of Illinois). Makes technical corrections.
Senate Appropriations-II Committee
May 5, 2016, 9:00 a.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 2990, Senator John J. Cullerton
Makes appropriations and reappropriations to various State agencies and educational institutions for specified purposes. Provides that all appropriation authority granted in the Act shall be used only for costs for services for which spending authority has not been authorized for fiscal year 2016 by any order of any court. Provides that the appropriation authority granted in the Act shall be valid for costs incurred prior to July 1, 2016.
*Indicates Equip for Equality’s position or comments on a bill
NOTE: If you wish to take any action regarding any of these bills/issues, you may wish to attend the committee hearing and/or contact the members of the Committee conducting the hearing and/or the legislators in your home district. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all legislators, both Representatives and Senators, can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website at: www.ilga.gov. You may check this website to find out if any of the committee hearing dates or times have been changed, which may happen upon very short notice. You may also use this website to file an electronic witness slip for any bill that is posted for hearing by clicking on “GA Dashboard” on the homepage.
For additional information, please contact:
Cheryl R. Jansen
Public Policy Director
Equip for Equality
217-544-0464 ext. 6013
